Opiate dependence on prescription painkillers or heroin is a chronic medical condition. Because of the way narcotics affect brain chemistry, opiate dependence is a medical condition many people cannot overcome on their own.

Fortunately, there are proven medical treatments, along with counseling and behavioral therapy, that have helped millions of opiate-dependent people regain control over their lives.

We treat primarily with Buprenorphine + Naloxone (Suboxone) which is an FDA approved medication for treatment of patients with opiate (narcotic) dependence.

At the right dose, and along with counseling, Buprenorphine + Naloxone can help people stay in treatment and reduce illicit drug use by suppressing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings.

Only doctors with special training can get a special license to prescribe Buprenorphine + Naloxone.

Because of its narcotic-reversing effect, if you are dependent on opiates, you must have symptoms of withdrawal as possible when you take the first dose of Suboxone. If you are not in withdrawal at the time of your Induction visit, you may not be given Suboxone, as it can cause severe and immediate opiate withdrawal..

Some patients find that it takes several days to get used to the transition to Suboxone from the opiate they had been using. After being stabilized on Suboxone, other opiates will have virtually no effect. Attempts to override the Suboxone by taking more opiates could result in an opiate overdose. Do not take any other prescribed medication without discussing it with you physician first.

We also treat patients with Naltrexone Tablets which are indicated for the prevention of relapse to opiate dependence, following opioid detoxification.

The use of Suboxone can result in physical dependence of the buprenorphine, but withdrawal is much milder and slower than with heroin or Methadone. If Suboxone is suddenly discontinued, patients will have only mild symptoms such as muscle aches, stomach cramps, or diarrhea lasting several days. To minimize the possibility of opiate withdrawal, Suboxone may be discontinued gradually, usually over several weeks or more.

Combining Suboxone with alcohol or some other medications may also be hazardous. The combination of Suboxone with mediation such as Valium, Librium, Ativan, or Xanax has resulted in deaths.

The form of Suboxone given in this program is a combination of buprenorphine with a short- acting opiate blocker, naloxone. If dissolved and injected by someone taking heroin or another strong opiate it would cause severe opiate withdrawal.

Suboxone must be held under the tongue until completely dissolved. It is then absorbed from the tissue under the tongue. If swallowed, Suboxone is not well absorbed from the stomach and the desired benefit will not be experienced.

We do not prescribe, under any circumstances, narcotics, Methadone, or sedatives for patients desiring maintenance or detoxification from narcotics. All Suboxone must be purchased at private pharmacies. We will not supply any Suboxone.